Fireworks deemed a danger around storm debris

WICHITA, Kansas (AP) – Officials in Sedgwick County want residents to be especially careful with fireworks this week because of debris still awaiting pickup from a recent bout of violent weather.

Storms that hit the Wichita area on Thursday with winds topping 70 mph damaged or destroyed thousands of trees. Many residents have built piles of debris in their yards or curbsides, where the leaves and branches are drying out.

The Sedgwick County Fire Department says areas where fireworks are being ignited or may land during this Independence Day week should be cleared of leaves, dry grass and tree limbs.